2024-09-18
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE (KUCI) VISITS USIU-A CONFUCIUS CLASSROOM
One of the Confucius Institute core mandates is the establishment Confucius Institute Classrooms. On 6th April 2023, Dr Susan Wachira representing the local Director Dr Hellen Kiende Guantai and Chinese Director Professor Zhou Xiaodong together with the administrator ,the secretary and Chinese teachers visited United States International University-Africa(USIU-A). The aim of the visit was to donate Chinese language and culture teaching and learning materials to USIU Confucius Classroom .The University in Collaboration Kenyatta University Confucius Institute (KUCI) launched the Confucius Institute Classroom in 2020.This is to strengthen the role of Confucius Institutes globally of promoting the teaching and learning of Chinese language and culture as well as enhancing the mutual friendship between Kenya and China.
Professor Zhou Xiasdong together with the USIU board receiving the book donations
The KUCI team was met by the Dean of School of Humanities and representatives of USIU-A Classroom board .In his opening speech Professor Martin Njoroge who is the Chair of the USIU-A Classroom board thanked KUCI Directors for visiting the University. He said the board wants the USIU Classroom to be excellent in teaching of Chinese Language and Culture. He said this could only be achieved through the close collaboration and support from Kenyatta University Confucius Institute. His sentiments were echoed by Professor Michael Kihara saying that the Classroom was doing its best to produce better graduates of Chinese language .
The Chinese books were presented by Professor Zhou Xiadong and the Acting Director Dr Susan Wachira KUCI .Receiving the books was the USIU board led by Professor Martin Njoroge .The Chinese language and culture students were also present to receive the books. Also witnessing the presentation were members of the board; Ms. Queen Juma , Dr Josh Mayo Dr Michael Kihara and Mr. Stephen Ndegwa . Speaking during the event Professor Martin Njoroge thanked the KUCI and the Chinese foundation. Ms. Wanjiku Mbugua, lecturer of Chinese language and Culture at USIU-Africa said, “The books are valuable source of knowledge and will go a long way in the teaching and learning of Chinese language at USIU-Africa”.
Professor Xiasdong ,Acting Director Dr Susan Ms Wambui and Chinese language students during the Chinese book donation presentation
Professsor Zhou Xiasdong in his speech said the KUCI is offering a lot of support to the USIU Confucius Classroom and will continue to do so. He also said students can apply for scholarships in April 2023 through the KUCI. Acting KUCI local Director Dr Susan speaking during the eventsaid KUCI will support the classroom activities.Additionally,She encouraged the Classroom to visit KUCI for benchmarking. She enumerated some of the courses that KUCI was offering ; Beginners 1 and 2 course in Chinese Language and culture, Certificate in Chinese Language and Culture , Diploma In Chinese language and culture aligned to TVETA to start in September , Digitized beginner course to be taught online and lastly degree course in Chinese language and culture to begin in September 2023.
Prof Zhou Xiaodong having a light moment with the Dean Dr. Martin Njoroge after the book presentation meeting.
The KUCI team ,USIU classroom board in a group photo session after the meeting at USIU